Research uptake

We know it’s not enough to do valuable research. That’s why, from the outset of the programme, we’re engaging research users and policy-makers

Research to action

Our research can radically change how undernutrition is prioritised and managed in the highest burdened countries. The research can contribute to a reduction in undernutrition. However, this will not happen unless the research is used to inform policy and action.

Communication is the key to achieving this vision. That is why communications is an important part of the programme and integrated within it.

Our research uptake strategy forms the bridge between unlocking the puzzles of undernutrition, and meeting the programme’s goals. We’ll engage research users, policy influencers and decision makers with the evidence that will help them prioritise more focused and effective actions.

Informed by best practice

Our strategy is based on best practice in research uptake. This includes:

two-way communication, that emphasises listening to, and acting on, the needs of research users;

accessible research, including open access publishing and user friendly language and technology;

using existing and preferred channels of communication, to maximise usefulness and to avoid duplication of knowledge systems;

country-led strategies that respond to individual country contexts;

adaptive strategies that provide opportunities for learning and improving effectiveness.

Objectives of research uptake

We’ve defined the following four objectives for our research uptake strategy:

Stakeholders are engaged with Transform Nutrition’s planned research;

High quality research communications meet the needs of stakeholders;

A strong network of nutrition champions is created;

Consortium members have increased research uptake capacity.

Communications staff facilitate research to action

To ensure maximum research uptake and policy influence Transform Nutrition has recruited five part-time communications staff: one in each focal country, and one with a global coordinating role. Together they form the Communications Working Group.

This group acts as a community of practice. Expertise is shared across countries and developed. And the group ensures that learning and influencing priorities at the national level help shape communication and advocacy activities at regional and international levels.

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Transform Nutrition is a consortium of five international research and development partners funded by the UK Department for International Development. Using research-based evidence we aim to inspire effective action to address undernutrition.